7th May 2012
business events news
business events news 7th May 2012
‘Fiji (floods) Now’ “THAT was then this is now,” said Pacific Destinations, Anthony Mason, talking about the recent Fiji floods and how they and the Fijian people are moving on. It’s just one of the many delightful characteristics of the Fijians who are not a nation given to staring at their boots and bemoaning their lot - they dust themselves off and get on with the joy of living. It’s our first night in Fiji at the Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island and our famil group has taken over the hotel’s conference room and we are knee deep in donated gifts and stationery the group has begged, bought and been graciously given. Now, with the help of the Fiji Visitors Bureau and Air Pacific it arrived with us so that we can give it to local flood affected schools and we are coordinating them into backpacks and separate boxes. Later in the week BEN will present in words and pictures our experience of going to the school and the delight of the children, not just for the school equipment that was given to them but their natural love of interacting with people. If you have a conference, incentive or famil group going to Fiji, we urge you to talk to the Fiji Visitors Bureau in Sydney and see if you can give them a hand in what may be badly needed. Computers - old or new - and school and children’s books are some of the things we identified.
Above: Fiji school children show the incredible heights to which the recent floods rose.
business events news
editor: Jill Varley info@businesseventsnews.com.au www.businesseventsnews.com.au 1300 799 220
Melbourne wins WorldMUN THE Harvard World Model United Nations Conference 2013 (WorldMUN), one of the world’s largest student-led international meetings, is to be held in Melbourne next year. In announcing the meeting, the Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said Melbourne had fended off fierce competition from Spain, France and Turkey to host the event, which was expected to bring approximately 1700 delegates from around the world. “This is a coup for Victoria and is expected to generate more than $8 million for the state economy,” Asher said. “International education is Victoria’s largest export industry. “More than 160,000 international students from 165 countries were enrolled in Victorian education institutions by the end of 2011, with the sector injecting $4.8 billion into the state’s economy each year and creating an estimated 50,000 jobs for Victorians.” Melbourne Convention &
IHG’s coo resigns IHG Australasia coo, Bruce McKenzie has resigned after eight years with the company, three of which were dedicated as head of the world’s largest hotel company’s operations in the South Pacific. Bruce will remain in the role until 30 June, after which he will be replaced as interim leader by long-time colleague Bill Edwards, stepping up from his current position as director of operations NSW, ACT, Victoria, South Australia & New Zealand. As Australasian coo, Bruce deftly and successfully led the IHG team through the global economic crisis as well as some of the region’s most devastating crises, including the Swine Flu epidemic, Brisbane floods and Christchurch earthquakes.
Visitors Bureau’s ceo Karen Bolinger said WorldMUN 2013 was a fantastic fit for Melbourne in light of the city’s reputation as Australia’s intellectual capital. “Victoria has ten world-class universities, eight of them with campuses in Melbourne’s central business district, and this win is evidence of the high standard of students our universities are producing,” she said. “A lot of work went into this bid and everyone involved should feel very proud of what they have achieved for their city. “Melbourne’s status as ‘the world’s most liveable city’ and its reputation as the major events, live music, arts and culture, and food and wine capital will surely be a major draw card for students to attend next year’s event,” Bolinger concluded.
New Perth hotel THE Terrace Hotel, a new luxury property with 15 luxury suites and a wine vault with more than 3000 bottles amongst its many features, is to open in Perth’s CBD this July. Set amongst modern buildings, the heritage-listed St George’s House has been rebuilt with great care and attention. Evoking the period of the Great Gatsby in the 1920’s, the hotel will feature every indulgence in its suites including Bang & Olufsen sounds and television systems and Foxtel Q1. There will be two private dining rooms available for functions and business events.
WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO HAWAII
During April and May, Business Events News is giving one lucky reader the chance a win an amazing holiday for two people to Hawaii, courtesy of Hawaii Tourism, Hawaiian Airlines and The Kahala Hotel and Resort. The prize includes Hawaiian Airlines return airfares from Sydney to Honolulu, and five nights accommodation in an Ocean View Room at The Kahala Hotel and Resort. Over 6 weeks, we will feature a diffferent question in every Business Events News issue.There will be 15 questions in total, which will also be posted on our website. At the end of the month the subscriber with the most correct entries and the most creative response to the final question will win this fantastic holiday to Hawaii.
Hawaiian Airlines prides itself on Hawaiian Hospitality onboard. In 25 words or less, what does this mean to you? Hint! Visit www.hawaiianairlines.com.au
Email your answers to: hawaii@businesseventsnews.com.au Click here for terms & conditions
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An intimate dinner Advertising in with BEN: David
business events news 7th May 2012
crumbs! LETS hope it’s not an omen. 100 years after the Titanic’s tragic sinking, leading Australian billionaire businessman Clive Palmer has launched a new international shipping venture, the Blue Star Line Pty Ltd, with plans to build a fleet of world class luxury liners, including a 21st century version of the Titanic. He has commissioned CSC Jinling Shipyard in China to build and coordinate the construction of Titanic II, with the ship’s maiden voyage from England to North America, scheduled for late 2016.
Bond shoots to the top CRAIG Bond has been appointed area general manager Oceania and general manager of ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney by Pan Pacific Hotels Group. In his role, Craig will be responsible for the financial performance and operations structure for the group’s hotels in Oceania which include PARKROYAL Parramatta, PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney, PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport and Pan Pacific Perth. He will also develop efficiencies and synergies for all Australian hotels as the Group continues to grow its presence within Oceania under both its Pan Pacific and PARKROYAL brands.
Dockside recognises Tracy Knight IT couldn’t happen to a nicer person - Dockside Group’s marketing manager, Tracy Knight has stepped into the role of marketing and sales director for the firm, after the resignation of El Kwang who will leave the company on 11 May.
business events news
Medals awarded to urological surgeons THE Darwin Convention Centre recently hosted the 65th Annual Society Meeting of the Urological Society of Australia and NZ, with 600 people in attendance. During the conference a “historic and emotional” medal ceremony was held to remember last year’s earthquake in Christchurch, where the conference was held in 2011. 185 lives were lost due to the natural disaster and many of the urological surgeons and nurses “risked their own lives to help rescue people trapped in broken buildings”. GM, Darwin Convention Centre Malu Barrios said it was “a totally moving gesture that will live in my memory forever - and a privilege for the Centre to host such a memorable experience”. Four urological surgeons were presented with the Christchurch Medal Award for Bravery for “disregarding the risks to their own lives, entered the disaster scene and treated several trapped and badly injured people”.
DFAT drops Bali alert BALI could be back on the MICE map in a big way, after the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade lowered its travel advisory for Indonesia to the second-lowest ‘Exercise a high degree of caution’ level late on Friday afternoon. It’s almost ten years since the first Bali bombings in Oct 2002, and since then DFAT has warned Australian travellers of a “very high threat of terrorist attack”. However now the government has lowered the level following a fresh security assessment of the destination - meaning corporates are once again more likely to consider events in Bali. MEANWHILE the Mövenpick brand, well known in Europe and the Middle East, is to open its first Bali hotel, the Mövenpick Resort and Spa Jimbaran. Designed in a traditional Balinese manner, the hotel is scheduled to open in 2014.
• cost-effective • targeted • easy For details call us today 1300 799 220
Adelaide hosts WCET THE 19th World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET) World Congress held in late April at the Adelaide Convention Centre, injected $4.5 million into the South Australian economy by attracting more than 900 delegates from 47 different countries.
For five days the medical and health congress featured presentations and workshops by medical and nursing specialists from many countries including UK, USA, China, Sweden and Australia. This is the second time the congress has been held in Australia. Adelaide Convention Centre ceo Alec Gilbert said the Centre had received very positive feedback from the congress organisers and delegates. “Delegates were impressed by the facilities at the Centre, its proximity to local hotels and the ease of which they were able to travel through the city,” said Gilbert. “Most of the delegates had never been to Australia before so
Novotel winner CONGRATULATIONS to Lisa Rayner of Egencia who was the first person with the correct answer to Friday’s Business Events News competition. Lisa has won an overnight stay at the Novotel Northbeach in Wollongong, NSW. This week BEN and Mercure Resort Gerringong by the Sea are offering readers the chance to win one of three, overnight stays plus brekkie for two - see right.
it was great to get them to Adelaide on their first trip. “A number of the delegates also took the opportunity to take in other parts of South Australia with Kangaroo Island and the Barossa Valley the most popular destinations”. Elizabeth English, WCET 2012 Congress Liaison and Conventions Adelaide Ambassador reported that the Congress also funded 23 scholarships for nurses from developing countries to allow them to attend and to help improve the treatment and welfare of people in their own country. The next WCET Congress, she said, will be held in Sweden in 2014.
Stay by the Sea with Mercure Gerringong
This week, Business Events News is giving readers the chance to win one night accommodation for two in a Superior King Balcony Room, including buffet breakfast courtesy of the Mercure Resort Gerringong by the Sea. With 52 contemporary king rooms, award winning restaurant, indulgent day spa, and meeting facilities to hold up to 180 people, and only 2 hours from Sydney the Mercure Resort Gerringong by the Sea is an ideal venue for a conference or retreat. To win the one night stay be the first to answer the question to: comp@businesseventsnews.com.au
The name of Mercure Resort Gerringong by the Sea’s Head Chef? Hint:mercuregerringong.com.au. Click here for terms & conditions
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Heading to the UK? dinner An intimate
business events news 7th May 2012
An intimate with David The 13dinner apostles?
CELEBRATING the newly renamed Mantra Lorne (previously Mantra Erskine Beach) the popular conferencing property hosted a ‘red carpet mega famil for meeting planners to experience first hand just what the property and the destination of Lorne have to offer. Pictured at the iconic Teddy’s Lookout on the Great Ocean Road are: Robyn Box, Robyn Box Events; Marissa Cole, Key Conference Solutions; Gosia Wisniewska, Taylored Images; Paul Wilson, Mantra Group; Mel Kirpichnikov, 2one2F Events; Jennifer Bussanich, Millbank
Rugby Union meets in Rarotonga THE Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions (FORU) held its Annual General Meeting at the Edgewater Resort & Spa, Rarotonga. The three day meeting which concluded on 02 May was attended by more than 30 regional and international rugby delegates from the International Rugby Board (IRB). The focus of the meetings covered a range of topics representing the interests of its member Unions and Associate members to promote the growth of Rugby throughout Oceania as well as the election of new FORU office bearers. A report on the development of rugby within the respective nations was presented by country delegates.
business events news
Marketing; Shana Hamilton, JGH Events; Kylie Kalasim, Events ESP; Samantha Wong, CiEvents; Sharon Smith, CiEvents; Rosie Buckley, Conference Resources and Samantha Geisser, Mantra Group.
Sukhothai special rate
A RESIDENTIAL meeting package which provides elegant accommodation with modern facilities for meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops and other business events, is being offered by the Sukhothai Bangkok. A minimum guarantee of 15 rooms and a maximum of 50 rooms is required to receive the special rate of Thai Baht 6,000++ per person, subject to 10% service charge and applicable government 7%, in a Superior Room, or Thai Baht 8,000++pp, subject to the service charges in an Executive Suite. In addition there’s a daily buffet breakfast, complimentary high speed wi-fi internet access, welcome fruit plate & chocolates on arrival, English newspaper and a 15% discount on a la carte spa treatments at Spa Botanica. The offer is valid from 14 May until 30 September, with more information available online at www.sukhothai.com.
DESTINATION Staffordshire is hosting a brand new showcase event for group travel organisers and operators. To be held on 18 October at the Wedgwood Visitor Centre & Museum, Stoke-on-Trent, the event will showcase Staffordshire’s diverse group travel offer to leading tour operators throughout the UK to encourage visits and short breaks to the county. The event, being held in association with Steve Reed Tourism will feature exhibitions and demonstrations from Staffordshire’s top group attractions, accommodation providers and eateries. Karina Harvey-Moore, senior tourism business development officer for Destination Staffordshire, said: “Staffordshire has a wonderfully diverse range of attractions for everyone, and is an ideal destination for groups and tour operators alike. “We have something for everyone and can cater to many interests, so our event will provide the perfect opportunity not only to meet the buyers but also to showcase what Staffordshire has to offer.” If you are interested in attending contact Karina Harvey-Moore at Destination Staffordshire on +44 (0) 1785 227 336.
Pictured above are: Karina Harvey-Moore, Senior Tourism BDO for Destination Staffordshire, and Julie Gibson from Wedgwood Visitor Centre.
with David
Mackay’s Expanding Event Infrastructure MACKAY Convention Bureau has recently rebranded and is positioning to grow the MackayIsaac region’s business events visitor segment to new highs. Alongside the resources boom, the team have more to offer than ever before, and there’s no sign of things slowing down. Gateway to tropical north Queensland, Mackay has a business events industry that is moving ahead in leaps and bounds. Since the opening of the award-winning Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre in 2009, there have been constant additions to the range of products and services available, most recently a 12,000 seat stadium with function facilities and airport lounges for Qantas and Virgin travellers. With a number of hotel developments in the pipeline, the next 12 months to 5 years will see the city’s accommodation offering transformed. And with one of the fastest growing airports in Australia, accessibility is constantly improving. Mackay offers an exciting combination of economic strength with a laid-back lifestyle. Often overlooked as a business events destination, the region boasts superb natural assets – the reef, islands, rainforest and a vast golden hinterland. Unique experiences include viewing platypus in the wild and the awe-inspiring Mining Trail, which presents opportunities for public access to the local coal industry.
CONTACT US: Publisher
Editor
Bruce Piper
Jill Varley
Contributors Bruce Piper, Chantel Long
Advertising: advertising@businesseventsnews.com.au P: 1300 799 220
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PO Box 1010 Epping, NSW, 1710 Business Events News is part of the Travel Daily group of publications which also include: Travel Daily, Cruise Weekly & Pharmacy Daily.
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